Here's how to protect against ticks in Sask.

Photo from Government of Saskatchewan.

The province is reminding residents to take precautions against ticks this spring.

Ticks are most commonly found in tall grass, brush or wooded areas.

The most common tick species in Saskatchewan is the American dog tick, which is active from mid-April to the end of July. It cannot transmit Lyme disease to people.

Blacklegged ticks which can cause Lyme disease are rare in Saskatchewan. However, they can be introduced by migratory birds in early spring and remain active until early fall.

"People should be vigilant and check for ticks on themselves, their children and their pets after being outside," Saskatchewan Chief Deputy Medical Health Officer Dr. Julie Kryzanowski said in release. "Taking precautions against ticks is the best way to reduce the risk of a tick bite."

To prevent tick bites:

If you find a tick attached to your skin or on your pet:

In 2021, 969 ticks were identified in the province, including 15 blacklegged ticks.

The province said nine of them were submitted for testing with none testing positive for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

People can submit photos of ticks using the eTick system, keep ticks in a secure container until you receive the identification results. Ticks can be euthanized by placing them in a bag and storing it in the freezer 24 hours.

“Saskatchewanians can submit photographs of ticks found on humans or animals using the eTick online system at www.etick.ca to receive timely identification of the type of tick that is attached to a person, pet, or livestock animal and information on the risk of exposure to tick-borne diseases,” a release said.